Worldwide systematic observation of the climate system is a key prerequisite for advancing scientific
knowledge on climate change. The Convention calls on Parties to promote and cooperate in systematic
observation of the climate system, including through support to existing international programmes and
networks (Articles 4.1(g) and
5). Implementation of those Articles has been supported through the cooperation with the Global
Climate Observing System (GCOS)
secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and other agencies participating in WMO's
Climate Agenda. More>>

The sixth and latest national communications (NC 6) from Annex I Parties, including
technical reports on systematic observation, are available here. The compilation and synthesis report of NC 6 was presented to the SBI 41
(Lima, December 2014). This includes FCCC/SBI/2014/INF.20/Add.2
- Vulnerability and adaptation; research and systematic observation; and education,
training and public awareness.

Resources on climate change research related information from external organizations

Calendar of science events

Calendar of upcoming climate change science and research related events from external
organizations

Outlook to SBSTA 43

At COP 20, 2014, Lima, Parties re-emphasized the importance of systematic observation for the UNFCCC
process at large and the continued need to secure funding to meet the essential needs for national,
regional and global climate change observations on a long-term basis.

GCOS will present its status report on
implementation of the 2010 updated GCOS implementation plan. The SBSTA encouraged Parties to
actively engage in the review of the status report, (and support the development of the new
implementation plan, including on aspects related to ocean observation and acidification, to be
presented at SBSTA 45);

CEOS will report on progress made by space agencies providing global
observations, in their coordinated response to relevant needs of the Convention, and developing an
architecture for climate monitoring from space;

WMO will
report on progress made in the implementation of the GFCS. SBSTA encouraged Parties to make use of the opportunities
provided by GFCS now it has moved to its implementation phase.